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Changing trends in asthma in 9-12 year olds between 1964 and 2009
G Malik1, N Tagiyeva, L Aucott
1Department of Child Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|November 12, 2010
Summary
Childhood asthma and wheeze prevalence decreased between 2004 and 2009, particularly in girls. However, asthma prevalence remains high, and further research is needed to understand its causes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric respiratory health
- Epidemiology of asthma
- Public health research
Background:
- Childhood asthma prevalence increased globally in the late 20th century.
- Previous surveys showed rising asthma rates until 2004, followed by a decline in wheeze.
- This study investigated if childhood asthma prevalence continued to decrease after 2004.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that lifetime childhood asthma prevalence has fallen since 2004.
- To analyze trends in childhood asthma and eczema prevalence.
- To examine gender-specific differences in symptom prevalence.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed children aged 9-12 years in Aberdeen schools.
- Collected data on lifetime asthma/eczema history and recent wheeze via questionnaires.
- Analyzed trends from 1999, 2004, and 2009, adjusting for age, gender, and deprivation.
Main Results:
- Lifetime asthma prevalence fell from 28.4% in 2004 to 22.1% in 2009 (p<0.001).
- Wheeze prevalence also decreased significantly from 25.2% in 2004 to 22.2% in 2009 (p<0.001).
- Eczema prevalence showed a decline from 34.1% in 2004 to 30.7% in 2009 (p<0.001), with greater reductions in girls.
Conclusions:
- Childhood asthma and wheeze prevalence appear to have decreased, especially in girls.
- Low response rates necessitate caution in interpreting findings.
- Asthma prevalence remains high, and underlying mechanisms require further investigation.
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